Israel Matzav

'Palestinian Authority' happy terrorists aren't being released

They can't gloat about it too much, but you can bet that the 'good terrorists' from the 'Palestinian Authority' are very happy that the negotiations to exchange Gilad Shalit for hundreds of 'Palestinian' terrorists concluded unsuccessfully.

The PA has many reasons to fear a deal between Israel and Hamas.

First, the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners would have been seen as a major victory for Hamas.

Recent public opinion polls have shown that Hamas's popularity is on the rise, in part thanks to Operation Cast Lead, which won the Islamic movement more sympathy among Palestinians in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

A prisoner exchange agreement would have further boosted Hamas's popularity, said a local newspaper editor.

"I know several Palestinian officials here who were happy to hear that the talks between Israel and Hamas had collapsed," he said. "They were concerned that such a deal would embolden Hamas and undermine the credibility of Fatah."

An official closely associated with PA President Mahmoud Abbas said he was particularly concerned about the possibility Israel and Egypt would reopen the border crossings into Gaza in the context of a prisoner swap.

The reopening of the crossings, especially the Rafah terminal, would only help Hamas tighten its grip on Gaza, the official pointed out. "We must not forget that Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip through a military coup [in 2007]. As such, Hamas is not a legitimate authority there," he said.

...

The PA was also worried the release of hundreds of Hamas operatives to their homes in the West Bank would have created a big headache for its security forces. The PA would have preferred to see many of the Hamas prisoners and their families "relocated" to other areas, such as the Gaza Strip.

The top 10 Hamas prisoners whom Israel has refused to release in return for Gilad Schalit are regarded by the PA as the "commanders of Hamas's army staff" in the West Bank.

My enemy's enemy is my friend?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:51 AM